Our dojo group is named Marishiten-kai 摩利支天會. (there is historical precedence as the name was used in the Katori region by 2 or 3 other groups back in the late 1800's early 1900's). Marishiten is one of the, if not the most important martial Deity in Japan.  Marishiten or Mārīcī (Sanskrit: मारीची), is a "Ray of Light" and associated with light and the Sun. Our group endeavors to be a "Ray of Light" for the practice of Katori Shinto-ryu, illuminating what we strive for in rigorous and correct practice of the tradition. Katori Shinto-ryu does offer something to students seeking to join and follow that "Ray of Light" into a practice that pushes them to cultivate themselves in body, mind and spirit. Students of Marishiten-kai are expected to learn the physical movements, culture, history etc. that are associated with an art such as this. It is hard physical training and there is much non-physical learning as well. Students are expected to be serious in their pursuit. Marishiten-kai will seek to foster the same type of training environment that is found in most Koryu dojo in general and what had existed at one time at the Shinbukan dojo in Japan under Otake-sensei. 

The Instructors

Will Q. has 35 plus years of martial arts experience. His experience includes Wing-Chun, Muay-Thai and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as well as “tasting” such arts as Kali/Escrima, Systema, Aikido and Boxing. He has been training exclusively in Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu since 2002 and became a Menkyo-Shidosha under Otake Risuke-sensei. In addition to training in the martial arts, he has experience in Executive Protection and is a Meditation Instructor in the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Mr. Quan continues his explorations through the study of Xing-Yi and “internal strength”, and the application of “internal strength” in traditional Chinese and Japanese martial arts as well as a personal exploration of Mind, Mindfulness and Awareness in the martial arts. He also pursues learning the Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) in the Jin Nyodo line of transmission.

Chris L. is Mokuroku and is a Shidoin in Tenshinsho-den Kator Shinto-ryu. He has a number of years training in martial arts and has studied traditional/classical Japanese music while living in Japan. Chris has also studied Chinese medicine and has a background in Tibetan Buddhism, also in the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages. Chris is also involved in the exploration of Mind, Mindfulness and Awareness in the martial arts.